Course Descriptions
HIS 505: INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC HISTORY
3 credits
An introduction to the theoretical and methodological practices of public history. It serves as a foundation for considering the implications of shared practices of history in which professionals consider and collaborate on the meaning of the past for the present.
HIS 510: HISTORIOGRAPHY: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH AND HISTORIOGRAPHY
3 credits
This course serves as an introduction to the craft of history. In addition to research methodologies, the course explores different "schools" and approaches to the study of the past.
HIS 610: READINGS IN AMERICAN HISTORY
3 credits
This seminar, which covers central themes and developments from 1607 to the present, focuses on the growth of national identity, the founding and preservation of the American republic, the crucible of slavery and its aftermath, the rise of the United States as a military and industrial power, and the struggle to create an inclusive society.
HIS 615: HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA
3 credits
A survey of the history of Philadelphia from its founding to the present through an examination of the peoples who imagined it, built it, and struggled for and over it.
HIS 620: READINGS IN EUROPEAN HISTORY
3 credits
This seminar follows the contours of an advanced course in the development of Western Civilization. The seminar is divided into two segments: from antiquity to the Renaissance and from the Renaissance to the modern era. Readings focus on principal themes and developments in the following areas or disciplines: political and social; economic; religious; scientific; diplomatic and military; intellectual and cultural.
HIS 630: READINGS IN WORLD HISTORY
3 credits
While there are appropriate selected readings taken from the classical civilizational cores of Egypt, Southwest Asia, India, China, and the Mediterranean, less studied areas (e.g., the Pre-Columbian Americas and Africa) are examined as well. Much of the work concentrates on the post-1500 world, generally—but by no means universally—agreed to be the true realm of global history. Political, social, economic, religious, and gender issues are examined, with a particular emphasis on cross- cultural connections and patterns.
HIS 640: VISUALIZING HISTORY
3 credits
Analysis of historical themes and topics (e.g., American immigration; 20th century American social and intellectual history; the Greco-Roman World; World Wars I and II) through readings, photography, painting, and film documentaries.
HIS 650: ORAL HISTORY: THEORY AND PRACTICE
3 credits
Theme-based readings and practice in oral history (e.g., family history, labor and class history; gender history; African-American history; military history).
HIS 663: Readings in Special Topics in American, European, and Global History
3 credits
This course examines aspects of a selected topic in American, European, or Global History. Sample titles might include the following: Readings in the History of Education; Readings in the History of Ideas, Readings in Roman History; Readings in English History; Readings in Asian History.
HIS 665: MUSEUM STUDIES
3 credits
An introduction to basic object theory and practice as central to every history museum and historical society. Students gain practical hands-on knowledge through various assignments such as developing exhibitions and creating clear and proper documentation for researchers and future generations.
HIS 668: ISSUES AND PRACTICES IN ARCHIVAL MANAGEMENT
3 credits
This course is designed to meet two objectives to provide an overview of the field of archival management, and introduce the students to the work of archivists, while at the same time preparing them to fulfill the duties of archivists as a component in a career in public history. The course will also include guest speakers and at least one site visit.
HIS 680: TECHNIQUES IN PUBLIC HISTORY
3 credits
An introduction to the basic concepts of various digital media processes (e.g., the design and publishing of public history projects by using Web sites, audio, and video content). Students also review and evaluate public history Web sites and other media based on criteria used by professional public history organizations.
HIS 700: HISTORY ELECTIVE*
3 credits
Samples include “The Ordeal of Total War: World War II”; “England in the Late Middle Ages”; “China and Japan”; “American Intellectual History”; “U.S Constitution in Crises”; “Colonial Latin America”; “The American Revolution”; “The Modern Middle East”; “Progressive Era to New Deal”; “Lincoln and the Civil War”; “America and World War I”; Explorers and Travelers of the 19th Century”; and “Soviet Russia: Lenin to Stalin.”
HIS 705: INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC HISTORY
3 credits
An internship experience that allows students to combine theory and course content knowledge with practice through hands-on experience in one of several public history venues in the Philadelphia area. Working approximately 15 hours a week under professional supervision, students learn how to apply their education. The student will meet with the faculty supervisor, reflection papers, and interaction and evaluation by the site supervisors.
Prerequisites: Be an M.A. student in History; have at least a 3.0 GPA; have completed all required courses; have permission of the graduate director. Students may not take internship credit with an organization for whom the student works full-time.
HIS 710*: HISTORY ELECTIVE
3 credits
Samples include “The Ordeal of Total War: World War II”; “England in the Late Middle Ages”; “China and Japan”; “American Intellectual History”; “US Constitution in Crises”; “Colonial Latin America”; “The American Revolution”; “The Modern Middle East”; “Progressive Era to New Deal”; “Lincoln and the Civil War”; “America and World War I”; “Explorers and Travelers of the 19th Century”; and “Soviet Russia: Lenin to Stalin.”
*Can serve as a substitute for one of the following courses: HIS 640, 650, 665.
HIS 760: SEMINAR: INTEGRATION AND APPLICATION OF RESEARCH STRATEGIES PRESENTED IN CORE COURSES
3 credits
This seminar is designed to allow students to pursue an advanced research project in either American, European, or global history. It also serves to prepare students for a comprehensive exam in their chosen area of concentration.
HIS 761: SEMINAR IN THE HISTORY OF EDUCATION
3 credits
This seminar is designed to allow students to pursue an advanced research project in the history of education, either American, European, or global history. Students may choose to investigate issues within the areas of curriculum and instruction that relate to middle school, secondary school, or higher education and/or that focus on a variety of topics within education including gender, race, class, ethnicity, politics, or religion. Alternatively, students may choose to investigate other institutions whose form and function are essentially educational, e.g., museums, settlement houses, and historical sites.
HIS 770: THESIS DIRECTION I
3 credits
Supervised research for students writing the M.A. thesis in order to compose a detailed outline, to write a draft version of the thesis. Research and completion of thesis continues in HIS 771.
*Can serve as a substitute for one of the following courses: HIS 640, 650, 665.
HIS 771: THESIS DIRECTION II
3 credits
Continued supervised research for students writing the M.A. thesis in order to compose a detailed outline, to write a draft version of the thesis, followed by the submission of a final version. Prerequisite: HIS 770.
HIS 775: THESIS DIRECTION FOR HISTORY EDUCATORS I
3 credits
Supervised research for students writing the M.A. thesis in order to develop a suitable thesis topic, to prepare a working bibliography and to begin research. Research continues and is completed in HIS 776.
HIS 776: THESIS DIRECTION FOR HISTORY EDUCATORS II
3 credits
Supervised research for students writing the M.A. thesis in order to compose a detailed outline, to write a draft version of the thesis, followed by the submission of a final version.
Prerequisite: HIS 775